Care centers in Pacific isles not among deficient facilities

Question: It was reported that the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary asked for a complete maintenance review of all VA hospitals and medical centers. How did the facilities here in Hawaii do?

Answer: The comprehensive review found that none of the Pacific Islands Health Care System facilities appeared on the list of physical care discrepancies submitted to the VA. The Pacific Islands Health Care System recently hired a new safety officer, industrial hygienist and infection control practitioner.

This team conducts frequent administrative rounds of all the health care system facilities with a specific eye for physical-care issues that need improvement.

It should be pointed out that the overwhelming majority of issues identified by this special review are described as normal wear and tear. Additionally, most of the maintenance issues identified in the special report did not involve areas providing direct patient care.

Q: How do I access my primary care provider between visits?

A: Your primary care provider will give you instructions about how to contact the clinic during your first appointment. If you are experiencing an urgent health care issue that is not an emergency, or need health advice that cannot wait for your next scheduled appointment, you are encouraged to contact your primary care provider. You also can call the telephone advice nurse program at 433-0852. The telephone care staff can access your electronic medical record and consult with your primary care provider as necessary to resolve your urgent issues.

If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.